Ergonomics Greek - Ergon – Work Nomoi – Natural Laws
Mar 26, 2015
Ergonomics
Greek - Ergon – Work Nomoi – Natural Laws
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics:
a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it.
When applied correctly to the work environment, visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue are reduced significantly.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Are injuries that result from excessive and repeated physical stress on the musculoskeletal system
Hands Wrists Elbows Shoulders Neck Back
Topics
General Concepts Posture Chair and seating
Features Adjustments
Monitor Keyboard and mouse
General Ergonomic Concepts
Change Posture throughout the day.
Ensure adequate under desk clearance.
Avoid office clutter.
Light reflects off monitors, causing glare and eye fatigue.
General Ergonomic Concepts
Avoid reaching. Keep your tools within a comfortable “reach envelope.”
General Ergonomic Concepts
Forearms held horizontally at about a right angle at the elbow, shoulders relaxed
Wrists in a neutral (straight) posture Backrest supporting lower back,
pelvis and natural curve of spine Thighs resting horizontally Feet fully supported by the
floor/footrest.
Posture
• Sitting upright or forward
• Not changing position
Main issues
Chairs and Seating
Global 4430
There is no one perfect chair that fits all people.
Neutral Posture 8000
Series
• Body types, sizes, disabilities and personal preferences all affect the choice of a chair.
• Wide array of ergonomic chairs• Differ in the types of adjustments, how the
adjustments are made, and how the chair is constructed
• Cost is the primary factor in determining chair selection - can exceed $1,000 for a good ergonomic chair
Chairs and Seating
Right side controls
Left side controls
Controls
Chair Anatomy
5-legged base with Casters
Back Considerations
Size (High, Mid,
Low)
Contour
Support
Back Height Adjustment
Adjust the height of the back of the chair to provide support to your lower back.
Back Angle
Adjust the angle of the back of the chair to give you comfortable support.
Tilt
Occasionally tilt the chair forwards or backwards to relieve pressure on the underside of your thighs.
Seat Pan Height
Pneumatic cylinder
BELOW KNEECAP
Stand in front of the chair and adjust the height of the seat so that it is below your kneecap.
Use a footrest if your feet cannot rest flat on the floor or if there is pressure underneath your thighs.
Seat Pan
Contour
Width
Depth
Front Edge
Construction
Seat Pan Depth
Seat Pan set back Seat Pan set forward
Sit so that there is a width of 2 -3 fingers between the front of the seat pan and the back of your leg.
Armrests
Should they be used?
Ease of removal
Range of height
adjustment
Range of pivot
adjustment
Covering material
Padding
When typing, elbows are held at a 90º - 100º angle.
Armrests can support the arm and relieve shoulder and other stresses.
Armrest Height
Range of forward
adjustment
Range of height
adjustment
Can it be removed?
Headrest
Workstation Relationship
Monitor screen should be set where top line of text is at eye level
Don’t use several colors at one time. Use extreme contrasts, ie) blue and red,
as eyes won’t tire as quickly. Blue shouldn’t be used for small letters
or numbers. Eyes can’t easily on small blue print.
Don’t use yellow or green – causes a vibrating effect.
Monitor
Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard at a height where wrists are straight when fingers are on middle row of keys (if palms or wrists bend or drop when typing, a palm or wrist support may be needed to be used during rests from keying)
Arrange phone, reference books, pens, documents and materials used often in primary work zone (area within 12 inches of you) to minimize reaching. Items occasionally used should go into secondary zone (area 12-20 inches from you)
Workstation arrangement
Consider type of activities pursued in leisure time and whether it adds to or combats cumulative effect of work.
Eg: Exercise and activity that loosen the shoulder and neck muscles reduce effect of computer work. Activities such as knitting or playing computer games can add to neck and shoulder stiffness
Leisure Time